A MAN has been attacked with baseball bats and shot in the leg following an incident in Middlesbrough on Tuesday morning.

Armed officers from Cleveland Police were called at 9am to reports of an injured man on Murdock Road.

Detectives believe that four men, who had their faces covered, got out of a navy blue Volkswagen Golf which had distinctive silver wing mirrors before using baseball bats to attack the victim and damage a white Mercedes.

At 10.10am officers discovered a navy Volkswagen Golf on fire in woods near to Four Lane Ends near Saltburn.

The victim, aged in his 40s, was taken to James Cook University Hospital in the town with an injury to his leg which is believed to have been caused by a firearm.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young said: “We are in the very early stages of this inquiry, however, indications so far suggest that this was a targeted incident.  There will be increased patrols in the area whilst the investigation continues and anyone with information is urged to contact police.”

There is increased patrols in the area while officers carry out enquiries into the incident.

The Great North Air Ambulance was called to the scene.

A spokeswoman said: "We were called to assist North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) after a man had sustained leg injuries in Murdock Road, Middlesbrough.

"Cleveland Police believe the injuries were caused by a firearm. Our doctor-led trauma team assessed and treated the patient before accompanying him to hospital in a NEAS road vehicle." 

  • Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org